THE GIANT Arctic Walrus currently living in Irish waters has been 'stressed and potentially injured' in recent days as people continue to flock to coastal areas to see him.
Dubbed 'Wally the Walrus', the giant creature was first spotted in Irish waters in February of this year before making his way to the UK and on to the Isles of Sicily, before heading back to colder seas.
In recent weeks, the walrus has been spotted along Ireland's east coast, and most recently made his way to the south, where he was seen on multiple occasions in West Cork, laying on rocks, swimming in the sea and even resting on boats and pontoons.
Last week, we reported how Seal Rescue Ireland had made an appeal for any unused boats to be donated in order for the walrus to rest on, as he had damaged multiple vehicles while attempting to clamber atop them, even reportedly sinking one.
The public have been urged repeatedly not to disturb the walrus, and to keep a distance of at least 100m should they wish to see the creature, but for some this has fallen on deaf ears, as Seal Rescue Ireland say Wally appears to be stressed and possibly injured as boats continue to get too close to him.
A spokesperson for the rescue service posted to social media where they shared an image of a boat getting "dangerously close" to the Walrus and urged the public: "PLEASE RESPECT WILDLIFE FROM A SAFE DISTANCE."
"This image shows one of many boats today that came dangerously close to the walrus as he attempted to rest on a boat in the West Cork area.
They said that people who have seen Wally in recent days have reported "he has been quite stressed and agitated from the repeated disturbances caused by boats, kayaks and paddleboards, and has a potential injury from being forced off and on the boat repeatedly".
Observers have noted he has been quite stressed and agitated from the repeated disturbances caused by boats, kayaks and paddleboards, and has a potential injury from being forced off and on the boat repeatedly.
— Seal Rescue Ireland (@seal_rescue) August 18, 2021
"A designated rib has been set out since which will hopefully lure him away from other boats to reduce property damage, and we are working with the local community to monitor him there until he has rested enough to continue on his long journey."
They reiterated their advice to the public that they should "avoid approaching him within 100m (this includes boats, kayaks, swimming or on foot)" and advised that people should not share the walrus's exact location publicly "until there is a system in place for him to be monitored throughout the day, with a safe, designated haul-out site for him to rest on undisturbed."
The Arctic Walrus is a "sensitive species that is easily disturbed", and melting ice caps and climate change means there are only around 22,000 left in the world.
Any sightings of the walrus should be reported to Seal Rescue Ireland's 24/7 hotline at 087 195 5395.
